On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Las Vegas Raiders in a game that turned into a showcase for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The win snapped a three‑game losing streak and gave Hurts a chance to highlight a season that has been anything but ordinary. He finished the game with a perfect 12‑of‑15 passing performance, 175 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 39 rushing yards on seven carries.
Performance After a Rough Patch
Before that Sunday victory, Hurts had been battling criticism and inconsistency. The pressure of being the NFL’s starting quarterback had become a familiar theme, and the Eagles’ recent struggles only amplified it. Yet the Sunday game proved that Hurts can rise to the occasion when the stakes are high.
Criticism and a Quick‑Witted Reply
On Tuesday, a reporter mentioned that Nakobe Dean had said if he heard the criticism, he’d bet that Jalen was too. Hurts’ response was as sharp as it was humorous: “He’d be a broke man if he made that bet,” he said. The comment underscored Hurts’ confidence and his refusal to let external voices dictate his mindset.
The Role of Focus
Hurts has repeatedly said, “It’s who I am,” adding that the journey to the NFL has been unprecedented. He stresses that his focus is the key to handling the constant attention. “It’s my focus,” he said, emphasizing that criticism is just another part of the game.
Coach Sirianni on Attention
Head coach Nick Sirianni explained that playing quarterback in the NFL means dealing with a lot of attention, both positive and negative. “I think that playing quarterback in the NFL, you’re going to get a lot of attention,” Sirianni said. “I think that why Jalen can handle it so well is because he’s so locked in and focused and not distracted by things to be able to lock in onto what he needs to do to get himself ready to play.” When that happens — we talk about this a lot as a team — any little thing that distracts you, you need to block out, Sirianni added. He added that Hurts’ ability to stay locked in and not get distracted is what helps him prepare for each play.
The Pressure of Being Watched
After the win over the Raiders, Hurts noted that “everybody’s watching” and that it comes with the territory of being an NFL quarterback. He said that the pressure he feels is a perception by those who are watching, not an actual burden. “I’m not watching, I’m living,” he said before a pregnant pause. “… Doing.”
The Clutch Mindset
Hurts takes pride in being a clutch player. He recalled an overtime loss to the Chargers, where he had the ball and a chance to drive down the field. He said, “It means a lot,” Hurts said. “You work really hard to show up when your team needs you the most. All of the perceived pressure, whatever that is, just really preparing for a moment. Preparing for an opportunity and knowing that the resilience, determination and perseverance can bring it home for the group. I’d say that’s pretty valuable for me to be able to take pride in, showing up when my team needs me the most.”
The Eagles’ Season Outlook
The Eagles have had a weird season, but with three games left they are just one win (or one Cowboys loss) away from locking up the NFC East for the second consecutive year. Hurts’ focus and resilience are critical as the team pushes toward that milestone.
Balancing Criticism and Success
Even though Hurts doesn’t use criticism as fuel, he acknowledges the attention that comes with being a starting quarterback. His idol, Michael Jordan, famously turned criticism into motivation, and a viral image of Hurts making a face as he walked by a television with experts picking against the Eagles in the Super Bowl exemplifies that mindset.
Key Takeaways
- Hurts delivered a standout performance against the Raiders, snapping a three‑game losing streak.
- He handled criticism with humor and confidence, refusing to let external voices affect him.
- Coach Sirianni credits Hurts’ focus and ability to block distractions as key to his success.
Closing Thoughts
Jalen Hurts’ story is one of resilience, focus, and a refusal to let criticism derail him. As the Eagles inch closer to clinching the NFC East, Hurts remains a central figure whose mindset and performance will continue to shape the team’s fortunes.
